The Olde Barbridge Inn

We were glad we'd stayed put at Tilstone Lock during yesterday's rain and hail because it was a beautiful morning for cruising. More and more people are coming out of hibernation to enjoy the canals and a couple helped us through the double lock at Bunbury while a guy with two kids looked on, explaining how the whole thing worked.

We'd passed The Olde Barbridge Inn several times previously. Will had been in for a pint when we were moored opposite it back in November, but we'd never eaten there so we pulled in to the narrow towpath, aiming to have lunch the following day.

Like the Cheshire Cat, the Barbridge Inn is another well known point of reference for boaters. There were a lot of craft moored nearby and we were lucky to get as close as we did. The Inn and its beer garden occupy several hundred metres of waterside and offer free 24 hour moorings for those using the establishment. We were tempted, but we'd have had to take Leo too close to a road when walking him so it was better to let him run free on the towpath than pick him up and carry him past the danger.

Will is really enjoying spending time on the stern fishing now the weather has warmed up. Vicky was feeling well and spent her time painting photo frames and a wooden sign to warn towpath users that Abby might be outside.

The Olde Barbridge is a large pub and despite it being a quiet time there were a number of other people in for food. Our waiter was super friendly and the food nice but a little expensive.

We'd planned to carry on to Nantwich afterwards but with rain and wind forecast all afternoon we postponed the journey to the following morning.Read more